Posted in Episodes

Bellhead delivers on ‘Good Intentions’ (Episode 844)

Karen and Ivan of Bellhead join me for hot dogs from Herm’s Palace in Skokie (3406 Dempster). The new EP, “Good Intentions” is fantastic, and we focus a lot on those songs. We also talk about tour stories (including Nazis…

Posted in Classic rock Episodes

Legendary rock vocalist Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz, MSG) – Episode 842

Graham Bonnet’s voice is a singular force in rock and roll. You can hear the power and muscle in his singing through his time in Rainbow, Alcatrazz, MSG and so many more bands. Most recently, he put out the age-defying…

Posted in Snack

TAFKAVince Band – ‘Magazine Pages’ (SNACK – 6/1/23)

Today’s Snack comes from The Artist Formally Known as Vince Band. “Magazine Pages” is the first single from the new six-track album, “A Problematic Opera,” and it rocks. TAFKAVince features Vince SanFilippo on vocals and guitar, Lauren Kurtz on vocals,…

Posted in Episodes hot dog joints pop punk

Fluorescents celebrate EP release at Cobra Lounge (Episode 841)

¾ of Chicago area pop-punk band Fluorescents (Tyler, Bobby, Sasquel) join me for a chat outside Gene & Jude’s. Over hot dogs, we talk about their upcoming show at Cobra Lounge (6/2), as well as: *Their “ripping” cover of “Party…

Posted in 1990s Episodes

Ugly Kid Joe on 1st US tour in 27 years (Episode 840)

It seems crazy, but Ugly Kid Joe hasn’t toured the states in 27 years. On the eve of the band’s appearance at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Ugly Kid Joe shredders Klaus Eichstadt and Dave Fortman join me for…

Posted in Episodes Grammy winner Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Waukegan

Waukegan in Your Footsteps: Stewart Copeland comes to Chicago area (Episode 839)

(Rejected episode headlines: “Next to Stew,” “Driven to Cheers”) The legendary Stewart Copeland joins me for an interview in advance of his Chicago area performance of “Police Deranged for Orchestra” at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan on May 19. Discussed…

Posted in Episodes synth pop

Are ‘Podcasts’ Electric? The Gary Numan interview (Episode 838)

Gary Numan is an innovator, synth wizard and influence to artists and fans alike. I caught up with him backstage at the Rave in Milwaukee for a longform chat about his career and worldview. Some of the topics discussed:  …

Posted in Episodes Middle Eastern Naperville punk rock

Bollweevils return with ‘Essential’ release (Episode 837)

The Bollweevils return with their first studio album since 1995: “Essential’ (out May 6 on Red Scare)! Returning favorite Dr. Daryl Wilson joins me to go track-by-track through the new album as we eat Middle Eastern food from Pita Inn…

Posted in Snack

Wrong War – ‘Who’s Hiding Now’ (SNACK – 5/4/23)

Wrong War returns with a new song called “Who’s Hiding Now!” Wrong War formed in Chicago in 2019 and features Matt Weeks on lead vocals. In addition to being at the helm of Council Records, Weeks played and toured extensively…

Posted in Episodes Live performances Practice space recording

Take the Reins release extended ‘Last Chance Motel’ video, perform song ‘live’ (Episode 836)

This episode was recorded inside Take the Reins’ practice space. They even prepared food for the recording, which will forever be known as “Crockpot Con Carne.” The band performed a first-ever acoustic version of “Last Chance Motel” on the episode,…